April is one of London’s best shoulder-season months: parks are in bloom, daylight stretches well into the evening, and major sights are usually easier than in summer – except around Easter and a few big event weekends. I find that if you time your trip to avoid the school holiday surges, you get the best of the city’s outdoor beauty without the peak-season congestion.
April Quick-Answer Guide
- Is April a good time to visit? Yes, it is a top-tier month for walkers and garden lovers.
- Weather Summary: Cool mornings and mild afternoons with frequent but short showers.
- Crowd Level: Moderate, but very high during the two weeks around Easter.
- Price Level: Mid-range, with spikes in hotel rates during school holidays.
- Best For: Seeing spring blossoms and exploring the city on foot before the summer heat.
What April weather really feels like
Do not let the “April showers” reputation scare you off. While it rains frequently, it rarely rains all day. You are more likely to see a burst of rain followed by clear skies than a gray, relentless drizzle. I suggest dressing in layers so you can adapt as the sun goes in and out.
- Temperature: Typical highs are 13-15°C (55-59°F); typical lows are 6°C (43°F).
- Rainfall: Expect showers on about 12 to 14 days of the month, usually in short bursts.
- Daylight: You gain significant light this month, with 13 hours at the start and nearly 15 hours by the end.
Expect cool mornings, mild afternoons, and on-off showers rather than all-day rain. A light, waterproof shell or trench coat is more useful than a heavy winter parka.
April Timing Traps: What to Watch For
Four major events can significantly impact your trip logistics and budget. Check the specific dates for these before you book your flights.
Easter Weekend and School Holidays: This is the biggest crowd factor in April. UK schools usually take a two-week break around Easter. During this time, family-friendly attractions like the London Eye and the Tower of London see massive queues, and hotel prices rise.
The London Marathon: Usually held on a Sunday in late April, this race causes massive road closures across Central London, Greenwich, and the South Bank. If you aren’t running or spectating, it is a difficult day to move around the city.
The Boat Race: This historic rowing match between Oxford and Cambridge takes place on the Thames in West London. It draws huge crowds to the riverbanks in Putney, Mortlake, and Hammersmith. Riverside pubs will be packed to capacity.
Transport Maintenance: April is a common month for “engineering works” on the Tube and rail lines, especially over the Easter long weekend. Always check the TfL website for weekend closures before heading out.
Best Places to See Blossom and Spring Flowers
April is the peak month for spring color, and it is one of the best reasons to visit.
Kew Gardens: This is the premier spot for cherry blossoms. The “Cherry Walk” near the Temperate House is spectacular in mid-April.
St. James’s Park: For a free central option, this park offers some of the best flower beds in the city with the backdrop of Buckingham Palace. The daffodils and cherry trees near the lake are excellent.
Chelsea: I enjoy walking the residential streets of Chelsea in April. Many of the white stucco houses are framed by pink blossoms and wisteria starts to emerge toward the end of the month.
Best Things to Do on Rainy April Days
If the weather turns wet, London has some of the best indoor “Plan B” options in the world.
The Major Museums: The National Gallery and the British Museum are world-class and free to enter (though I recommend booking a free timed entry in advance). They are perfect for spending a rainy afternoon.
Borough Market: Much of this historic food market is covered. It is a great spot to grab lunch while staying dry. For a quieter experience, try it on a weekday morning.
Afternoon Tea: A long, traditional tea service is a great way to wait out a storm. Many of the hotels I recommend, like The Savoy, have famous tea rooms.
Covered Shopping: If you want to shop without an umbrella, head to the Burlington Arcade in Mayfair or the various markets in Spitalfields and Covent Garden.
Where to Stay in London in April
Choosing a neighborhood depends more on your itinerary than the weather, but transport convenience is key in a month with variable rain. I suggest looking at my guide to the best London neighborhoods to find your fit.
For First-Timers and Theater Lovers: Stay in Covent Garden. It is a walkable hub that keeps you close to the action. NoMad London is steps from the market and theaters, meaning you can duck inside quickly if it rains.
For Families: I recommend the South Bank. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is a top pick for London family hotels because it has an indoor pool, which is the perfect backup plan for a wet afternoon.
For Museums and Easy Transit: Bloomsbury is a great base. The Kimpton Fitzroy is located right on Russell Square. This neighborhood is home to many hotels near the Piccadilly line. Russell Square offers a no-transfer Tube ride to Heathrow, though the Elizabeth line is usually faster for many central-London arrivals.
For Eurostar Travelers: If you are arriving from Paris or Brussels, stay near King’s Cross. The St. Pancras Renaissance is an architectural landmark integrated directly into the station, making it the most convenient hub in the city.
For a Luxury Splurge: The Savoy remains my favorite for a splurge. Its location on the Strand puts you between the City and the West End, with views over the Thames that look beautiful even in the spring rain.
April vs Other Months
April vs March: March feels barer and less settled; April usually brings more blossom, greener parks, and a noticeably more springlike atmosphere. You also gain much more evening light in April.
April vs May: April is often the better value-and-breathing-room month, while May is usually warmer and more reliably springlike but busier around bank holiday weekends. If you want to avoid peak crowds, choose mid-April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it rain all day in London in April?
It is very rare for London to have a full day of non-stop rain in April. You should expect intermittent showers that last thirty to sixty minutes, often followed by sunshine.
What should I pack and wear for an April trip?
I recommend a layering system consisting of a light sweater, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes. An umbrella is essential, but a hood on your jacket is often more practical for the windy bursts that come with spring showers.
Is Easter a bad time to visit London?
It is not “bad,” but it is busy and expensive. If you visit during the school holidays, you must pre-book your tickets for major sites like the Tower of London and expect crowds in the parks.
Are the parks and gardens worth visiting in April?
This is arguably the best month for gardens. Between the daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms, the city’s green spaces are at their peak visual interest.
Do I need to pre-book attractions in April?
Yes, especially if your visit coincides with the Easter holidays. I always suggest booking timed-entry slots for the British Museum and major galleries to ensure you don’t waste time in line.
Is April a good month for a first-timer?
I think so because it is an excellent month for walking. If you are planning London for first timers, April offers a great introduction to the city’s character before the summer heat and heavy crowds arrive.
What is the best way to get from the airport to my hotel?
The Elizabeth Line is the fastest way into Central London from Heathrow. If you have an early morning flight home, I suggest staying at Heathrow Airport hotels or Gatwick Airport hotels to avoid potential morning rail delays.
Plan Your Trip
- Search for hotels: London Hotel Map
- Best neighborhoods: London Area Guide
- Top hotel picks: Where to Stay in London
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